Dear Members & Friends,
I’ve been looking for a desk for the longest time and I think I finally found it! I realize that isn’t really news, but it is something that has been on my “to do” list for a quite some time. It is a real sense of relief and happiness to have found the right desk (size, shape, color, etc.). Now that I’ve found what I’ve been looking for I realize I spent way too much time thinking about this and looking at different options. I could have used that time for much more constructive purposes.
I would venture to say many people have similar experiences. Maybe not about desks, but we do tend to think and obsess about things, don’t we? Maybe you obsess about your job or think about buying a new car or where you’ll go on vacation after Covid-19 is over. Do these thoughts and obsessions ever get in the way of regular living? Have you ever missed anything important because you were focused excessively on something else?
In the gospels we see Jesus focused on proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Not jobs or cars or vacations or even desks, but the Kingdom. I invite you to pray with me and to begin focusing more on Jesus and the abundant life He offers (and I’ll try not to think about desks).
Peace & Prayers,
Pastor Tony
Here are worship materials/information for Sunday, Jan. 31st:
The Scripture lessons are:
Deuteronomy 18:15-22 and Mark 1:21-28
Reader is Carlton Walker; Vocalists are Deb & Ron Richcreek.
Please pray for the following members in the coming week:
Lyn Barr
Wade, Rachel, William & Evelyn Graver
FEBRUARY
1 Terry Shull 16 Vicki McLaughlin
3 Susan Shuey 17 Arlene Roberts
4 Drew Easteadt 24 Jean Thompson
5 Suzanne McKinnon Emma Gogoj
9 Katherine Sheperd 26 Mary Jane Blosser
10 Anita Ashbaugh Bertie Stoops
14 Joe Dennison 27 Pat Grabey
Henry Whitman 29 Jean Kretzing
15 Tess Naylor
Community Cares needs winter coats and hats for women and men – new or used in good, clean, condition. Items may be taken to Community Cares at 50 West Penn Street, Carlisle and placed on a table outside the front door. Then ring the doorbell and someone will take them inside. This is a contact-less donation. If you prefer, Deacon Kari Kornish will also pick up your donations and take them to Community Cares. Contact Kari at 717-816-5274. Thank you.
At this writing, these groups plan to meet via Zoom in February:
Curious about how to integrate science into your religious outlook? Shippensburg University will host the 13th Annual Forum on Science & Religion virtually on Thursday, Feb. 11, 3:30-5:30 PM, to further explore this topic. The forum is free and open to the public. During the forum, Dr. Joseph Shane, professor of chemistry and science education, will moderate a panel discussion titled, "Science, Religion, and the Common Good," with clergy, scientists and writers from the Sinai and Synapses Fellowship, a small interfaith group dedicated to elevating the discourse and conversation around religion and science. 2021 marks the 13th year Dr. Shane will organize and host a forum, which he noted is "an opportunity to bring many other respected scholars and science-religion 'boundary pioneers' to our community." For nearly 15 years, he has taught short courses on the fields at various churches & public venues.
Our Ash Wednesday worship service will be by Zoom-only this year.
It will be held on Feb. 17th at 7:00 PM. You can join in the worship service by following the Zoom web address which will be provided next week.
The First Sunday in Lent -- February 21st Worship will include the Sacrament of Communion.
Members of the Congregation, Ministers
The Rev. Anthony D. Lorenz, Pastor
The Rev. Jon A. Black, Pastor Emeritus
Debby Madden, Educator Emerita
Arthur Thompson, Organist
Ron Richcreek, Music Director
Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary
Chuck Adler, Sexton
